Healthy Homes Assessment Plimmerton

Rental Property Expert Advice

Healthy Homes Assessment Services

Did you be aware that the Healthy Homes Standards came into effective on July 1st, 2021? The landlords are now required to ensure that their Plimmerton rental properties meet the minimum Healthy Homes Standards within 90 days of a new or renewed tenancy and all private rental properties must be completely in compliance by July 1st 2024.

The areas that are covered by the Healthy Homes Standards are:

• Draught Stopping
• Heating
• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Moisture Ingress & Drainage

We can assess your rental property to determine whether it satisfies the NZ Healthy Homes and Residential Tenancy Acts standards. After the assessment, we’ll advise you or your property manager about any work which requirements to be completed and offer an evaluation report with all the details required to complete your tenancy agreement’s Healthy Home Statement of Compliance.

Failure to fulfill the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standards is a breach under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, and any landlord found to not in compliance could face fines of up to $7,200 plus additional healthy homes associated fines.

Our company is fully independent assessors of rental properties in addition, we’re completely certified for both Healthy Homes and Homefit.

Call Now (04) 280 6777

Rental Property Healthy Homes Fines

Fines for Failing to Comply

Beginning on July 1st, 2021, if a new, renewed or varied tenancy is signed on a Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work need to be taken care of inside of 90 days.

As of 1st July 2021, once a new, renewed or varied Tenancy is signed for the Plimmerton rental property, all Healthy Homes compliance work must be done inside of 90 days.

Failure to comply with each of Healthy Homes Standards by the end of the deadlines can result in the possibility of a fine up to $7200. Additionally, if a currently-in place Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance is not incorporated within a new, renewed or revised tenancy agreement, there could be an additional penalty or infringement fee.

Anyone can request details about the Healthy Homes Standard and how they relate to the home they are living in. If the landlord or property manager is unable to provide the information requested within 21 days of having received the inquiry, they could receive an infringement notification and could be fined up to $750.

In addition, there’s an additional fine of as much as $900 for landlords and property managers who have provided a false or inaccurate Healthy Homes Statement of Compliance or other information. The person liable to pay this fine is the one who is named on the tenancy agreement as the one who is renting the property which could be the name of the landlord, or the property management company.

All the information on the Compliance Statement needs to be current at the time that the tenancy agreement is signed, and ideally it should be kept updated through the tenancy period as necessary work related to it is finished.

It is also crucial to note that a landlord who own several rental properties can face additional fines for non-compliance. The highest penalties are reserved only for serious violations. Those who have six or more properties could be penalised up to $50,000, and even as high as $100,000 for hearing claims.

It is clear that failure to adhere to requirements of Healthy Homes requirements can hit your bank account hard, and result in large fines in addition to still having to meet compliance. Do not risk your rental property Contact us now and request a home assessment done on the rental property you are renting.

Get the full description of details on Residential Tenancies Act landlords responsibilities.

Healthy homes are important

What is the reason Healthy Homes Compliance So Important?

One in three households rent from New Zealand and Plimmerton, and research suggests that rental homes are more likely to be older, colder, are not as effective heating, and generally tend to be of poorer quality than the houses of owners.

Cold, damp and mouldy houses can have negative health results, specifically for ailments like colds and flu, asthma and cardiovascular issues. In addition, people who experience at least four key issues with their housing often have low life satisfaction and reduced psychological well-being.

Improving the standard of Plimmerton rental property will help tenants experience improved mental and physical health as well as lessen disruption to work, learning and daily life because of illnesses. Your investment will also be better secured from mildew, mould and damp damage, meaning less maintenance costs over the long term.

The Healthy Homes Standards are a list of specific and minimum standards for Heating, Insulation Ventilation, Moisture Ingress and Drainage, as well as Draught Stopping within Plimmerton rental properties.

Contact us now to discuss getting a Plimmerton Healthy Home assessment on your rental property now.

Unreasonable Gaps & Holes

Draught Stopping Plimmerton

Draughts increase the likelihood of dropping temperatures within households. A cold house costs more to heat, meaning wasting energy and resulting in higher bills.

If a draught can be perceived as a result of gaps or holes, it needs to be closed.

What are unjustifiable gaps or holes?

If you can feel external air flowing in or a clear draught from a gap or hole and you are able to feel it, it is most likely a gap or hole that needs sealing in the way you can. Cracks and gaps that are large should be fixed permanently. Gaps greater than 3mm that let air into or out from the house require sealing. For example, if an open fireplace is not in use, it may cause draughts and should be shut from. Landlords and property managers are accountable for ensuring that draughts from the fireplace are removed in the maximum extent possible.

There is no require to block up intentional holes or gaps which are part of the construction. For example, tiny gaps around windows and doors may be required to allow movement of the building when the household warms and cools to allow them to be opened and closed rather than sticking. We will check all doors and windows as part of the Healthy Homes assessment of your rental property.

Check out the complete details to the Healthy Homes draught stopping requirements.

Proper heating is crucial for healthy houses

Heating Plimmerton

Rental properties in Plimmerton should have a permanent source of heat that can heat the principal or the biggest living room to at least 18degC, even during the coldest days of the year. This is the minimum temperature indoors that is recommended by the World Health Organisation for people’s physical well-being and mental outlook.

The source of heat requirements that it be permanently fixed (i.e. not portable) with at least 1.5 horsepower in capacity, and it must have the minimum capacity for heating required in the living area. A Heating Assessment Tool may be used to check if your current permanent heater(s) are adequate or whether you will require to "top-up" with a new heater. Open fires and unflued combustion heaters like small portable LPG bottle heaters aren’t considered to be acceptable heating options under the Healthy Homes Standard.

If the heating system you provide is electric heating (or heat pump), it must have an thermostat. This will help make your heating more consistent and effective. In most houses, larger fixed heating devices such as heat pumps, wood burners pellet burners, flued gas heaters are needed. However, in certain instances like apartments with small spaces, a smaller fixed electric heater might be enough.

If the main living room already has a central heating source such as an air conditioner, it may need an update in order to comply with the standards. Certain kinds of heaters cannot be used to achieve the quality since they’re either costly, not affordable to run, or are unsafe to operate.

Get the complete information to the Healthy Homes heating needs.

Ventilation Plimmerton

Every living space of a rental property must have at least one openable doors or windows to provide natural ventilation. Furthermore, moist areas such as kitchens or bathrooms should have an externally vented extractor to get rid of moisture.

It is the ventilation quality is all about acknowledging it is that dry air is easier to heat and heat, and the property that is properly ventilated will be less prone to developing mould and damp.

Bedrooms, living spaces, kitchens, and dining areas are considered liveable spaces. Connecting spaces such as the hallway aren’t living spaces and therefore do not need an opening window or door.

Each door, window or skylight needs to be able to open up to the outside, and stay fixed in an open position, allowing for fresh air circulation and air flow.

All kitchens and bathrooms, and every other room of your property with a bath, shower, cooktop or other high moisture-producing item will need proper extractor fan systems that can be vented to the outside. We offer a Healthy Homes Assessment service will make sure there is sufficient air circulation in every living space, including suitable extractor fans in high moisture areas.

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes ventilation standard.

A cozy dry house is a healthy home

Insulation Plimmerton

The insulation of the ceiling and underfloor is a requirement for all rent houses since 1 July 2019. Property managers and landlords are required to ensure that the insulation meets current standard. In certain situations, the old ceiling insulation as well as insulation within the subfloor space may require to be added or replaced.

A well-insulated house can reduce condensation and lessen the likelihood of mould and dampness and it will make an easier task to the house to retain warmth.

Insulation requirements to be in compliance with the R-values of your area.

The "R" stands for thermal resistance, and it is a measurement of how well the insulation resists heat flow. The more high the R-value, better the insulation.

• Zone 1 Zone 1 Auckland & Northland Ceiling R 2.9, underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 2 – the rest of the North Island except Taupo and the Central Plateau – ceiling R 2.9 underfloor R 1.3
• Zone 3 Zone 3 North Island Taupo, Central Plateau and the entire South Island – ceiling R 3.3 and underfloor R 1.3

Check out the complete details of this Healthy Homes insulation standard.

Plimmerton Moisture Ingress & Drainage

Keeping your rental property safe from dampness isn’t just about the inside of the building; you have to ensure there is somewhere for surface as well as groundwater to move and to prevent it from getting inside. When it is damp and moisture, it is usually what you don’t see that can cause a lot of trouble, causing damage to your investment as well as harming the tenant’s well-being.

Rental properties must be equipped with effective drainage for the removal of floodwaters, surface water and groundwater, with an appropriate runoff or outfall. Making sure the water has a location to go, and also that it doesn’t get sucked into buildings is a vital aspect of maintaining your property’s dry.

In addition to a drainage system to avoid moisture from entering, if your rental has an enclosed gap between your floor and surface, a ground moisture barrier must be put in place when it is reasonably practicable to install it.

An underground moisture barrier typically a polythene sheet laid over the ground, in order to block any moisture from the ground from accumulating into the property. It also assists in preventing from causing damage to the flooring insulation.

Check out the complete details of the Healthy Homes moisture ingress and drainage standard.

Is your rental a Healthy Home?

Rental Property Home Assessments Plimmerton

Areas of rental properties that are impacted by the Healthy Homes Standard in Plimmerton include each:

• Living Rooms
• Bedroom
• Dining Room
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Laundry

Checking Your Healthy Home?

Home Assessments Plimmerton for Rental Properties

There are numerous things to look over when conducting an house evaluation to determine if your rental property is in compliance with the requirements of the Healthy Homes Standard. The most common are:

• Does the subfloor space protected and does it have a moisture barrier present?
• Is the ceiling insulation in need of topping up? require replenishment or replacement?
• Does the heat pump have sufficient capacity?
• Does the water flow properly and is there stopping of draughts?
• Does the house have sufficient ventilation including extractor fans?

The repercussions of not having the Healthy Home in accordance with The Residential Tenancies Act and consequently being in the wrong of the tenant services ruling can have a significant impact for property owners and landlords. For professional advice, call now and schedule your rental property home evaluation.